Gospel Choir travel to London to compete in the University Gospel Choir of the Year finals
University Gospel Choir were pleased to be finalists in the 2026 University Gospel Choir of the Year competition.
For the second year in a row since the competition restarted, the University Gospel Choir successfully made it to finals of the national University Gospel Choir of the Year competition. In March 2026, the choir travelled to Croydon to perform in this year’s final round with a well-rehearsed set of three songs.
Led by student Musical Director Obioma Ifeanyi-Agbai, the choir firstly had to submit an online video application for the first round. At the final stage, the ensemble performed ‘Excellent’ by the Sunday Service Choir, ‘Glory to glory to glory’ by Fred Hammond, and ‘Spirit Breakout’ by William McDowell, featuring a live band and a number of soloists from within the choir. The judges praised the performance for its “great energy” and commented that they thought the performance was “involved” and “engaging”.
The choir were also excited to welcome CEO and founder of ‘AStepFWD’ O’Neil Dennis to campus as a guest coach to give them feedback on their rehearsals in the lead up to the contest.
Many congratulations to the choir for making it to the finals and representing University Music.
University Music provides the University of Birmingham with one of the liveliest music-making scenes of any campus. With around 1500 positions available in our 35-plus ensembles, members participate in a variety of instrumental and vocal groups, across a range of abilities and styles. University Music is open to students, staff, and the local community, and provides participants with opportunities for professional coaching, exceptional concerts, and also offers scholarships for incoming students to the University.
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